February Landscaping task

February in Florida brings springtime weather. In most zones of FL, we no longer have a threat for potential frost, which rarely happens this far south. We are having an unusually chilly winter but no threats of frost here in southwest Florida. February kicks off “garden” season. If you are new to Florida or new to gardening read on to find out what chores you can do this month for optimal growth and less maintenance during the summer months.

February gardening and landscape task:

1.      Care for any cold damaged plants. This may mean removing spent leaves, trimming dead stems, removing a plant. In Sarasota, this year we did not have cold enough weather to do damage to our plants. I have some plants that would have preferred warmer weather but overall, there is no damage in my landscape.

2.     Prune – if you have roses, February is the time for a hard pruning. Trim anything you wish to because there is no (not likely) threat of frost. Prune anything dead, dying, and diseased. Prune to promote new growth.

3.     Mulch – now is a wonderful time to lay down a fresh layer of mulch. Mulch helps insulate the roots of your plants. And it makes your landscaping look nice.

4.     Start fertilizing. We are entering the growing season, meaning plants are coming out of the winter slumber. You never want to fertilize when plants are “sleeping.”  Fertilize during active growing.

5.     Plant fresh flowers, shrubs, and trees to get established before it gets hot outside. It will put less stress on the plants.